Bodo/Glimt vs Tottenham Hotspur: UCL Match Preview
Tottenham Hotspur are set to board a flight to Norway as the North Londoners prepare to face Bodo/Glimt in the Lilywhites’ second Champions League league phase this Tuesday.
Tottenham come up against the Norwegian champions only four months after locking them out of the Europa League in the semi-finals of the 2024/25 campaign.
If we do go back down memory lane, Tottenham had cruised through Bodo on a 5-1 aggregate win back in May. It was still back when Ange Postecoglou was still in charge, as the Australian inspired Tottenham to lift the Europa League trophy.
But this time around the Lilywhites come to the Arctic Circle with Thomas Frank taking over the reins at the helm. And after already accommodating a win in the UCL group stage after Luiz Junior’s own goal proved to be enough for the North Londoners to secure three points against Villarreal.
And that win against the Spanish giants leaves Tottenham with a possibility to win the first couple of group-stage games in the UCL for only the second time in history (last achieved in 2017/18). But the Lilywhites have to get over that “sad draw” against Wolves at home last weekend. It was a reminder that there are still a lot of inconsistencies that Tottenham need to iron out.
Thomas Frank reflected on the game by admitting that his side “lost structure and coolness” after they trailed. And he will want to see a more ruthless display against Bodo.
And then speaking about the opponents for Tuesday, Bodo/Glimt edged past Sturm Graz in the playoffs to make it to the Champions League this season. And they showed that fight on matchday one when Kjetil Knutsen’s side came back from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Slavia Prague.
But that being said, Bodo haven’t kept a clean sheet for six games now. And Thomas Frank would be rubbing his hands, looking to exploit this vulnerable defence come kickoff.
Team News
Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham will be without a few players for the fixture. To start with the obvious, James Maddison and Radu Dragusin continue to miss out given their respective ACL injuries. Dejan Kulusevski is still recovering from that knee knock that has kept him out for a considerable period. And then Kota Takai continues to serve the sidelines with a foot injury.
Then comes the duo of Yves Bissouma and Mathys Tel, who are not registered for the competition.
Now coming to more doubtful ones. Dominic Solanke, Randal Kolo Muani and Ben Davies will be pushing to make it to the bench for the North Londoners.
That leaves Richarlison to continue in that #9 role. And given the fact that Mohammed Kudus hasn’t had a bit of rest, Brennan Johnson could start for him to give the Lilywhites’ marquee summer signing a breather. Bentancur had endured a difficult outing against Wolves, and he could see Pape Matar Sarr take his place in the middle of the park alongside Lucas Bergvall and Joao Palhinha.
Bodo/Glimt
Bodo/Glimt could also be without a few key names in their roster come this Tuesday. They saw defender Brede Moe and winger Daniel Bassi both limping off in their recent Norwegian Cup win, and both remain doubtful for the game. And then their captain, Ulrik Saltnes, is also doubtful owing to illness.
Predicted Lineups
Bodo/Glimt (4-3-3): Lund; Sjovold, Bjortuft, Nielsen, Aleesami; Fet, Berg, Auklend; Blomberg, Hogh, Hauge
Tottenham (4-3-3): Vicario; Porro, Danso, Van de Ven, Spence; Sarr, Palhinha, Bergvall; Johnson, Richarlison, Simons
TTLB Prediction
We saw how blunt Tottenham looked going forward at the weekend against Wolves. But then, given the key injuries in Bodo’s roster, there is a possibility that the North Londoners may find it easier to penetrate in behind their last line.
Bodo/Glimt 1 – 2 Tottenham